Six bands representing five metro schools will be putting it all on the line, strumming and sweating in front of nearly 1,600 of their peers for the chance to have a professionally recorded EP, a year's supply of Fuzzy's tacos and the opportunity to perform at community events.

Along the way they'll also be fundraising for the Arvada Community Food Bank, said Arvada at-large councilman and food bank board director Bob Fifer, who has spent a year organizing the event.

"Donations have been down at the food bank, and the goal is to raise $20,000," Fifer said. "It's just a fun way to let area high-schoolers express their talent while bringing awareness to the issue of hunger in our community."

Warren Tech students have thrown in their skills by designing T-shirts, bumper stickers and fliers for the event.

Attendees can munch on $1 tacos from Fuzzy's Tacos and browse merchandise tables from local vendors and restaurants.

The music on display at the Arvada Center Amphitheater at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. will vary from alt-rock to punk, highlighting the wide range of talent of the six bands that have been whittled down from dozens of entries.

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The bands will perform one original and one cover song. After each round, audience members will vote as many times as they want with tickets purchased for $1 or two cans of food. The final battle between the last two bands will be decided by a panel of judges — including Cherry Hills Mayor Doug Tisdale.

In the six years since they started a band in their basement, the three members of Skye 96, a high-energy, modern alternative rock band from Ralston Valley High School, said they've played in front large crowds before and aren't in it for the competition, but for their community.

"It's definitely not going to kill us if we lose ... we're in it for a good cause and to have fun," said vocalist and guitarist 17-year-old Josh Rock.

"The youth who will be participating either through bands, volunteers or attendees will be important for the delivery of our mission in years to come," said Sandy Martin, the executive director at the food bank. "While the economy is getting better for some folks, those that go to our food bank, their needs are still great."

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